Ventricular Tachycardia

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Usually occurs with underlying heart disease, Commonly occurs with myocardial ischemia or
infarction, Certain medications may prolong the QT interval predisposing the patient to
ventricular tachycardia, Electrolyte imbalance, Digitalis toxicity, Congestive Heart failure

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 2

Chest discomfort (angina), Syncope, Light-headedness or dizziness, Palpitations, Shortness of
breath, Absent or rapid pulse, Loss of consciousness, Hypotension

Question 3

Risks

Answer 3

Major cause of sudden cardiac death

Question 4

Medical treatments

Answer 4

If there is no pulse, begin CPR and follow ACLS protocol.

If there is a pulse and the patient is
unstable - cardiovert and begin drug therapy

Question 5

Nursing interventions

Answer 5

Assess your patient - If symptomatic, treatment must be aggressive and immediate - Pulse present
- Oxygen - Patent IV (preferably x2) - Monitor patient very closely -

Pulseless | ACLS protocol